Joe Zanotti on Israel: A Surprise Wine Country

It all began while Joe Zanotti was working in Israel. The wine aficionado was introduced to the wines of Israel, including Cabernets, Merlots, and other white wines. Finding that these wines were as good as those found in Napa and Sonoma, Joe Zanotti, a native of Pittsburgh, began researching the wines of Israel. He learned that the weather in the areas along Israel’s Mediterranean Sea, with its hot, dry days and cool nights, is ideal for growing quality grapes that create the best wines.

During his travels, Joe Zanotti also learned about Israel’s annual wine festival. The Israel Museum Wine Festival, held in Jerusalem, attracts people from all over the world to taste Israel’s wines. With award-winning wineries spread throughout Israel, wine lovers have long known about the excellent wines being produced in Israel’s northernmost region, says Joe Zanotti, with the Golan Heights releasing more than six million bottles per year.